# USC Trojans' Run Game Struggles Under Lincoln Riley

> Lincoln Riley's USC Trojans trail Oklahoma in run game success after two losses.
- Title: USC Trojans' Run Game Struggles Under Lincoln Riley | Shortify
- Summary: Lincoln Riley's USC Trojans trail Oklahoma in run game success after two losses. USC Trojans' run game ranks 103rd nationally under Lincoln Riley…
- Keywords: usctrojans, lincolnriley, oklahomasooners, collegefootball, rungame, heismantrophy, nfldraft, collegefootballplayoffs, cfsplayoffs, osu, buckeyes, sports
- Source: USC Trojans On SI — https://si.com/college/usc/football/unfortunate-comparison-lincoln-riley-oklahoma-sooners-usc-trojans-tenures
- Published: 2026-10-29T16:46:56+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: usctrojans, lincolnriley, oklahomasooners, collegefootball, rungame, heismantrophy, nfldraft, collegefootballplayoffs, cfsplayoffs, osu, buckeyes, sports
## USC Trojans face Halloween matchup
USC Trojans face pivotal matchup against No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes on Halloween after second loss this season.
## Lincoln Riley's USC tenure challenges
Lincoln Riley hired by USC in November 2021 with optimism after leading Oklahoma Sooners to College Football Playoff success.
## Joel Klatt identifies run game issue
Joel Klatt says USC lacks run game success compared to Oklahoma, with run game ranking 103rd in yards per carry.

> The biggest difference between Lincoln Riley at USC and Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma is the lack of run game for the Trojans
## USC run game statistics
USC running back King Miller leads with 602 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
## USC offensive line struggles
USC offensive line averages 3.9 yards per carry and ranks 52nd in total sacks allowed.
## Caleb Williams' Heisman success
Former USC quarterback Caleb Williams won Heisman Trophy in 2022 and became No. 1 NFL Draft pick.
## USC playoff odds
USC has long odds at +1900 for playoff this year compared to teams like Iowa at +1200.
## USC's postseason challenges
USC has not made postseason since CFP expanded to four teams, with margin for error slim after Wisconsin loss.
## Riley's NFL talent production
Riley produced NFL running backs including Rhamondre Stevenson, Joe Mixon, and Samaje Perine at Oklahoma.
## USC's run game contrast
USC run game ranks 103rd nationally while Oklahoma run game ranked number one.

> It's not the passing game, it's not the defense, it's the run game
## Key takeaway

USC Trojans' run game ranks 103rd nationally under Lincoln Riley, contrasting with Oklahoma's top run game performance.